This is an intermediate macroeconomics course. The course assesses the macroeconomic environment in which a business operates. Macroeconomic conditions play important roles in business decisions and performance: aggregate income, unemployment, and inflation rate influence profitability, interest rates determine the cost of capital, and exchange rates affect international competitiveness. The course critically assesses how possible developments in the macro economy and international economy -- such as the change in the monetary policy stance by the Central Bank of China or the Federal Reserve -- will affect the business environment relevant to their specific industry. Course topics include: Macroeconomic data and national income; money and inflation; open economy; unemployment and economic fluctuations; Aggregate Demand (IS-LM model); open economy revisited under IS-LM model; Short-term aggregate supply; long-term aggregate supply; consumption; investment; stabilization; government debt and budget deficit; economic growth; and financial system.
Assessment: homework and attendance (20%), midterm exam (30%), final exam (50%).